Zambian nurse set to be deported wins fight to remain in UK

A Zambian-born nurse who was just hours away from being deported has been told she will be allowed to stay in the country

Written by Carl Palmer
02/12/2016 10:15 AM

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RESULT: Dianne Ngoza has won her right to remain

DIANNE NGOZA who has lived in Greater Manchester for 14 years, received support from human rights groups and Manchester MP Lucy Powell as she fought to stay in the UK under threat of deportation to Zambia.

Ngoza was due to be flown out of the country last week but has now been told she can stay while her case is reviewed. Just hours before the flight was set to depart, Powell confirmed the news.

Mum-of-one Dianne moved to the UK in 2002 to work as a nurse - one of many overseas medical staff working in the NHS, before volunteering for a number of community organisations and churches. After a change of circumstances the 47-year-old was left destitute and had been forced to live in shelters across the region for many years.

Ngoza was detained on 16 November but the ongoing fight from campaigners, including Manchester-based human rights charity Refugees and Asylum Participatory Action Research (RAPAR), has meant she may remain in the UK permanently.

Powell said:

“Dianne was due to be deported this afternoon (30 November) at 5pm but I have been given confirmation this morning that has been deferred.

“She has still been detained and there is a question mark over what is going to happen next. We were all very anxious she was going to be deported today, so this is a small step in the right direction.

“I am hopeful that the minister will look at this case personally and at least give Dianne the option to appeal the decision from the UK. I will continue to put pressure on the Minister until all avenues have been exhausted.”

“I want to thank everyone for sending their support for Dianne. This overwhelming support has been of great comfort to Dianne and has also assisted in my representations.

I hope that the Minister will consider the new evidence and the national support for Dianne and that he reaches the right conclusion of this case – to release Dianne, giving her the right to make an appeal whilst she remains in the UK.”

Dianne’s friends and supporters had become increasingly worried about her weight loss and lack of a proper vegan diet in the detention centre in Bedford. A spokesman for Serco who manages the centre insisted Dianne had been given appropriate food after her ‘vegan requirements’ were noted on arrival.

The Home Office have been contacted by The Voice for comment.

Posted on: 02/12/2016 10:15 AM

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